The wedding party plays a huge role in every aspect of the wedding planning process, so choose wisely, these friends will be with you for the long haul. The wedding attendants have various roles, and it is important that they are aware of their responsibilities early on. Below I have listed some helpful tips for the key players in your wedding party Here is what you and your groom can expect from your bridal party... For the Ladies
Your most important bridesmaid is your maid of honor (matron of honor, if she is already married). Her main jobs include signing the marriage license as a witness and being your right hand man in planning the wedding. Before the wedding, it is her responsibility to make sure that the other bridesmaids are informed of the plans and staying on top of their tasks, coordinate dress fittings, and plan the bridal showers and bachelorette party. During the wedding, it is the maid of honor's job to help you dress, straighten your train during the reception, and hold your bouquet during the ceremony. To help lighten the load, you may consider having both a maid and a matron of honor, so that they can split responsibilities. Depending on the maid of honor's comfort level, they may join the best man in the toast at the reception. Maid of Honor Check ListBefore the wedding... - Ask if help is needed for preliminary planning: invitations, location, dresses, registry, etc...
- Order the dresses for you and the bridesmaids
- Aid with the seating arrangements
- Plan the bridal showers: make sure to ask for a lot of input from both the bride and the mothers involved
- Plan the bachelorette party
- Keep the bridesmaids up to date and involved
- Help out with the rehearsal dinner
Wedding day - #1 DUTY- keep the bride as stress free as possible- if a problem arises try to take of it yourself before bringing it to the bride
- Make sure that the bride is awake on time and organized for the day
- Help with dressing and makeup
- Make sure that the bride has time to herself when needed
- Don't forget the groom's ring
- Sign the marriage license
- Keep the bride put together: straighten her train, adjust her veil, touch up makeup, etc...
- Go with her to the bathroom with her throughout the reception to help with the dress
- Make a speech
- Help the bride prepare for her departure from the reception
- Along with the best man, bring all of the wedding gifts to the new couple's home
The bridesmaids are responsible for various tasks throughout the wedding and the planning process as well. It is up to you to speak up if you want or need help with something. Some of the basic tasks that the wedding party will perform are addressing invitations, proofreading the ceremony programs, and tying ribbons unto favors. They are there for emotional support, and will help in planning the bachelorette and shower parties. At the reception, you will be seated at the head table with the entire wedding party. Brides, remember that the bridal party is spending a lot of time and money on your special day, so be considerate of what you are asking from them. The wedding party is responsible for buying their own attire, accessories, shoes, as well as contributing to both the bachelorette and shower parties.
Bridesmaid's Check List
Before the wedding... - Make yourself available- the bride may need you for simple tasks or just a shoulder to lean on
- Help make favors and place cards
- Help address invitations
- Assist the maid of honor in planning the bridal shower and bachelorette party
Wedding day... - Help keep the flower girl and ring bearer organized and under control
- Assist in keeping the bride calm and organized
Gentlemen Next
The most important groomsman and the one with the most responsibility is the best man. Just as the maid of honor does, the best man is responsible for signing the marriage license. Some of the main aspects of the wedding process that the best man is responsible for are organizing the the groomsmen (a.k.a. ushers), assisting in the planning of formal wear fittings, organizing the famous bachelor party, and giving the first toast at the reception.
Best Man Check List
Before the wedding... - Assist in selecting formal wear
- Organize fittings for the groomsmen
- Plan the bachelor party
- Make yourself available to the groom
During the wedding...
- Make sure the groom is awake and organized for the day
- Organize the ushers
- Help keep the groom calm; especially right before the ceremony
- Hold onto the rings
- Sign the marriage license
- Hold the officiant's fee (paid by the groom) until after the ceremony
- Give the first toast at the reception
The groomsmen should be available to assist the groom and the best man with whatever is needed. They must pay for their own attire and be present at the formalwear fittings. It is important that the formalwear is picked up on time and returned in a timely manner. Before the ceremony, the groomsmen will help seat the guests, and should plan on arriving to the ceremony early. Make sure that any specific seating arrangements are known before the wedding. During the reception, you will sit at the head table with the wedding party.
Before the wedding...
- Be present at the formalwear fittings
- Help plan and pay for the stag party
- Pick up formalwear on time
During the wedding...
- Seat guests in their appropriate spots
- Roll out the white carpet before the bride enters
- After the reception, help load gifts into cars
- Don't forget to return your formalwear on time
And for You - Be grateful for the time and financial obligations that your wedding party is committing to in order to help you with your special days. Be conscience of the financial limitations of your wedding party.
- Let them help you out. Your wedding party was chosen because you consider them an important part of your life. If you need help ask for it, they will be happy you did.
- Remember to be flexible. Don't ignore the requests of the bridal party-if the girls don't like their dresses, see if you can compromise on a different one.
- Have fun- the more fun you are having the smoother things will run.
- Take time for yourselves- it would be a good idea to spend a weekend away the month of the wedding, and promise to not discuss the wedding at all.
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